Marlene J. Eekhoff

January 5, 2010

Marlene J. Eekhoff, 71, of Belmond, died on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 6, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. Pastor Troy Lohmeyer will officiate. Burial will take place in the Madison Township Cemetery near Forest City.

Marlene Jane, the daughter of Earl G. and Irene Lackore Peterson, was born on December 29, 1938 in Forest City. She graduated from the Forest City High School in 1956. Marlene married Hemmo Eekhoff on September 4, 1964, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City. They made their home north of Belmond, where they farmed and raised their family. She worked as a nurse's aid at the hospital in Britt. Marlene was not only a dedicated mother, she also played a major role in the farming operation.

Marlene will be remembered for her love of scrapbooking. She chronicled not only her family, but also Calvary Baptist in Belmond. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, a passion she passed on to her sons. Marlene was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church and is most remembered for her service as the Sunday School Secretary.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marlene is survived by her husband; children, Tim (Jeannie) of Pittsville, Wisconsin and Larry of Belmond; granddaughter, Stephanie; and her twin sister, Marlys (Dennis) Clark of Forest City.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Stella Barz

January 12, 2010

Stella O. Barz, 89, of Klemme, died on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 11, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Reverend Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. 

Stella Olga, the daughter of Olga (Ratzlaff) and Herman Barz, was born on June 23, 1920, on the family farm near Klemme. She attended rural schools and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1939. She then joined her brothers in the farming operation, plowing fields, harvesting crops and raising livestock and chickens. She loved the rural life. After the death of her brothers, she and her sister, Marcedia retired from farming and rented the land. 

When her sister died in 1968, Stella moved to the Klemme Apartments for several years and then to the Prairieview Apartments in Garner. Her health began to fail and she moved to the Concord Care Center on July 1, 2009.

Stella was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel United Church of Christ and was a lifelong member, being active in the women's fellowship and as a Sunday School and Bible School Teacher. She especially liked working with children. She was also a member of the Klemme Senior Citizens and the Legion Auxiliary and was proud that all her brothers served in the armed forces during World War II.

Stella enjoyed playing Skipo and 500 card games, Bing Crosby music and western movies. She liked to read histories, biographies, farm related stories and especially the Bible, which she read faithfully.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Martin (Irene), Geral and Paul; sister, Marcedia; and niece, Maxine Carter Krall.

Survivors include grand-niece, Sue Carter, and grand-nephew, Scott Carter and his wife, Rose and son, Scott.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Owen Sweeny

January 12, 2010

Owen "Otis" Sweeny, 61, of Goodell, died on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 16, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond. Visitation will be held one hour before the services. A gathering will be held following the service.

Owen was born on July 26, 1948 in Ames, to Owen Floyd Sr. and Iva (Bier) Sweeny. When Owen's parents divorced, he moved with his mother and brother to Goodell. His mother married George Beek in 1953. Owen attended elementary school in Goodell. He was known as a talented actor in high school and graduated from the Belmond Community High School in 1966.

Owen attended classes at the North Iowa Area Community College and worked at Central Soya. Owen was well-known as an exceptional drummer and he and his brother, Patrick traveled around the country in several bands. One of the bands, Lincoln Reed and the House Rockers, was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999).

In 1972, Owen returned to Goodell and worked at Chapman's Truck Stop for several years. He married Nancy Larsen in 1975 and they had two children. Owen loved taking his children to swim at the lake and to the theater to see Batman movies. He returned to work at Central Soya for 10 years before his employment at Winnebago for 17 years. Owen also worked at Kohl's Department Store for several years.

Owen's hobbies including playing the drums, trying new recipes, surfing the web and collecting movie paraphernalia. Those who knew Owen would attest that he spoke often of hopes for a better world -- a world in which producing quality workmanship and showing compassion for others were more important than commercialism. His passion and presence moved all who encountered him and he will not be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela (Jon) Lowery of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; son, Aaron Sweeny of Cedar Falls; brother, Patrick Sweeny of Goodell; half-sisters, Ramona (Don) Erickson and Rose Marie (Leo) Johnson, all of Ogden; and nieces, Melanie Eckhart of Boone and Maria Moffett of Ames.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Shirley Nicholson

January 12, 2010

Shirley M. Nicholson, 77, Belmond, died on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning, January 13, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church of rural Belmond. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery. The family suggests memorials in Shirley's name to a charity of the donor's choice.

Shirley Mae, the daughter of Oscar N. and Carrie (Shaw) Nelson, was born on November 7, 1932 in Belmond. She graduated from the Belmond High School in 1950. Shirley attended cosmetology school in Des Moines and later owned her own beauty shop in Belmond. She was the activity director at the Belmond Care Center for 29 years and she also directed the operation of the beauty shop there, where her focus was making the residents' lives brighter. Many high school students did job shadowing with Shirley. She enjoyed educating them and being in their company.

She married Jack Lobdell in 1954. Family members recall Sunday afternoon fishing excursions and picnics to Morse Lake. The day would often conclude with a trek to the cafe at Lake Cornelia for a treat. Jack died in 1968 and Shirley became even more focused on  the needs of their children. 

Shirley married Eugene "Nick" Nicholson in 1973. The couple enjoyed bowling in the couples league and following the many activities of the family. Shirley's children have great memories of fishing trips to the pit on the Iowa River and other family happenings. Shirley and Nick enjoyed the journey of married life until Nick died in 1996.

Shirley was a long time member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond and more recently the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She was a long time member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #4244. Shirley was an avid bingo player and looked forward to each opportunity, whether it was locally or an excursion to other places with Nick and family and friends. Shirley's passion for bingo was only equaled by her love of playing cards, be it times spent with the Tuesday 31 Card Club, Royal Rummy Club, a friendly game of cribbage, or intense competitions with a teammate playing 500. She recently won the Belmond Hospital 500 Bridge Marathon with one of her favorite partners, grandson, Ryan Lobdell. Shirley's children and grandchildren will miss her homemade caramels, anise candy, caramel corn and other treats. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; son, Kurt Lobdell; and brother, Robert "Ozzie" Nelson. 

Survivors include her daughter, Kim Lobdell of Iowa City; sons, Brett (Sonja) Lobdell of Belmond, Blake (Jane) Lobdell of Clear Lake and Tracy (Stacey) Lobdell of Marshalltown; sisters, Genevieve (Ralph) Turner and Marilyn (George) Eekhoff; brother, Eugene (Marge) Nelson; sister-in-law, Em Nelson, all of Belmond; grandchildren, Kellie and Kyle Miller, Ryan and Reece Lobdell and Kristina "Tina" Cook and Bryce and Colin Lobdell; and great-grandchildren, Jordan and Keyra Cook.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Rev. Clifford H. Nelson

January 19, 2010

Rev. Clifford H. Nelson, 93, recently of Dixon Illinois, died on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, after a brief hospitalization.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 16, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Clifford Harold, was born on June 17, 1916 in Belmond, the son of Nickolai and Helen Emelia (Oscarson) Nelson. He was raised on a farm west of Belmond and attended local schools. He attended Waldorf College where he met his future wife, Elnor G. Olson. Clifford and Elnor married on June 4, 1938, at the Badger Lutheran Church and made their home west of Belmond, where they farmed and began raising their family. In 1945, Clifford continued his education at St. Olaf College and then Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He was ordained in 1949 and served congregations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota during 50 years of active ministry.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ingrid Nelson; brothers, Norris and Everett Nelson; and sister, Ruth Lonnevik.

Clifford is survived by his wife; children, David (Claudia) Nelson of Grand Detour, Illinois, Naomi (Phil Dahlberg) Nelson of Houston, Texas, Eldon Nelson of Spring Valley, Wisconsin and Stephen (Maureen) Nelson of Park Ridge, Illinois; grandchildren, Karl (Holly) Nelson, Erik (Buffy) Otterstad, Kaitlin Nelson and Benjamin Nelson; great-grandchildren, Nicklas, Thomas and August Nelson and Tristram Otterstad; brother, Reuben Nelson of Belmond; and sisters, Mildred Meyer and Esther Larson.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Ronald Cooke

January 26, 2010

Ronald "RC" Cooke, Sr., died on Friday, January 15, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 18, in Clear Lake.

Ronald Dean was born on November 5, 1946 in Clarion, the son of Robert and Genevieve Cooke. Over the years he operated as many as ten different restaurants in north Iowa.

He was preceded in death by a daughter; brother, Jerry; and sister, Beth Kluss.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Clear Lake; three children; a sister in Minneapolis; and brother, Bob Cooke of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Harold A. Smith

January 19, 2010

Harold A. Smith, 94, of Belmond, died on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 19, at the Immanuel Reformed Church, east of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery. 

Harold Arnold, was born on May 12, 1915 at Earlham, the son of William Tanner and Laura (Arnold) Smith. He attended the Dexter High School and graduated in 1932. Harold moved to Belmond in 1932 through connections he had with Dr. Leinbach's brother. After settling in the Belmond area, he farmed for four years. Then he began his lifelong career as a self-employed mink rancher, a love he continued for nearly 50 years. Harold married Jennie Pals on February 17, 1939, at the Immanuel Reformed Parsonage. They raised their four children on the family farm. 

Harold had a lifelong and very strong faith. He was active at Immanuel Reformed in numerous capacities, including serving on the church consistory and co-chairing the building of the new church. His family was always of utmost importance in his life and he looked forward to holidays, family gatherings, outing to an area lake or almost anything that meant spending time with them. Harold was interested in young people and teaching them the values of life and skills for the future. He was a long time 4-H volunteer.

Harold was the consummate outdoorsman. An avid angler, he jumped at every opportunity to go fishing, whether it was with his family or with his buddies. He enjoyed hunting. As his health declined, he would look out the window with his binoculars for wildlife and if he could get in the boat, he would be up for a day on the lake. He raised a large and meticulously-weeded garden and was renowned for his hand-shelled popcorn. He will be remembered as a pleasant and welcoming gentleman with a special twinkle in his eye and a warm handshake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jennie in 1982; grandsons, Micheal Smith and Baron Smith; brother, Howard Smith; sister, Elizabeth Brandenburg; and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Smith.

Survivors include his sons, Robert W. Smith of Belmond, James W. (Chris) Smith of Post Falls, Idaho and Bruce H. (Pat) Smith of Mason City; daughter, Judy K. (Jon) Klink of Klemme; nine grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; and two step-great-granddaughters.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Beverly Kuhlers

February 2, 2010

Beverly D. Kuhlers, 77, of Latimer, died on Friday, January 22, 2010, in Latimer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 28, at the Evangelical Free Church in Belmond, with burial in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery, east of Belmond.

Beverly Dean, the only child of Raymond and Gertrude (Steenblock) Pals, was born in Franklin County, on August 23, 1932. She made her home for a time with her paternal grandparents and with her uncle and aunt, Edd and Jennie (Pals) Peil. She attended the Pleasant Township #6 School through the eighth grade and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1951. She was then employed as a secretary for the Thompson Hybrid Seed Corn Co. of Belmond. On June 19, 1952, she married Harry Andrew Kuhlers. After her husband's service during the Korean War, she became a full-time mother, homemaker and a partner to her husband in their farming operation from 1954 to 1986. Going camping with family members was a special delight to her. 
     
She was a secretary at Packard Electric from 1987 to 1997. She also helped acquaintances in their homes and she helped others by providing transportation for medical appointments, etc. In addition, she was involved in various forms of sales enterprises. After purchasing a home in Latimer in 1988, she worked alongside her husband in the renovation of their 1920's house, carrying on alone with that project after his death in 2000. She loved to cook and to bake and enjoyed the giving of hospitality to others in her home.

Beverly felt the presence of the Lord in her life from the time she was a small child to the present. She treasured the memory of attending Sunday School and church services at Immanuel Reformed, valued her membership at First Reformed in Meservey and the Neighborhood Bible Church in Hampton. Later she was welcomed into the family of the Belmond Evangelical Free Church.

She found great joy in being a resident of the town of Latimer where she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 658, the Latimer Community Club and the Latimer Park Society.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her only paternal aunt and uncle; and several maternal aunts and uncles.

Beverly is survived by her children, Dennis (Martha) of Marshalltown, Darwin (Jodi) of Fairmont, Minnesota, Diane (Randy Den Adel) of Ames, David (Julie) of Belmond, Dana (Sandy) of Fairmont and Dawn (Eugene Goenner) of Stratford, Wisconsin; grandchildren and their spouses, Matthew and Beth Kuhlers, Megan Kuhlers and Mark Kuhlers, Brandon Kuhlers, Dara and Chad Bliesmer, Justin and Jamie Den Adel, Jared and Jason Kuhlers, Michael, Anthony, James and Daniel Kuhlers and Andrew and Abigail Goenner; great-grandchildren, Alex Mason, Emma, Hallie and Kaysen Kuhlers and Vanessa Bliesmer; and several maternal aunts and uncles.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Marjorie Wagner

February 2, 2010

Marjorie J. Wagner, of Apache Junction, Arizona, formerly of Northwood, died on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, from 5-7:00 p.m., in Wesley Hall at the Northwood United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m., at the church. Interment will follow in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Marjorie Joan, was born on August 23, 1932 in Colfax, to Charles and Edith Kennedy. She was baptized at an early age in the Baptist faith. The family moved to Belmond in 1945, where she became a member of the United Methodist Church. Marge graduated from the Belmond High School in 1950. She married Roger Wagner on August 27, 1950.
  
"Mumsy" enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing many tales and stories passed down from her family. She was also known as the Recipe Lady among her many friends and neighbors. Anyone who knew Marge also knew of her kind-hearted generosity and her willingness to share.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dennis Wagner; grandsons, Dustin and Nathan Wagner; brother, David Kennedy; sister, Carla Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Richard Wagner.

Survivors include her daughters, Lana (John) Anderson and Susie (Keith) Braun; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Wahl, Brandon (Lori) Evans, James (Steph) Eskildsen, Andrew (Kelly) Eskildsen, Kevin Braun, Katie Braun and Kristen (Jonathan) Penn; great-grandchildren, Sydney Harris, Reese and Emersyn Wahl, Blake and Lila Evans, Kailey, Kennedy and Colby Eskildsen, Brett and Zach Eskildsen, Madyson, Leighton and Ryleigh Penn; brother-in-laws, Howard (Jeanne) Wagner and Verdell (Juanita) Wagner; and sister-in-law, Kaye (Paul) Jackson.
©Belmond Independent 2010

James Just

February 2, 2010

James J. Just, 56, of Mesa, Arizona, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 1, at the East Valley Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona.
       
James Jacob, was born in Belmond, to Jacob and Nellie Just on November 28, 1953. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1972. Jim married Linda Dieger of Belmond in 1972. They moved to Arizona in 1981, where he was employed by Shasta Pools as internal operations manager.

Jim's infectious smile and enjoyment for life was only rivaled by his spirit of adventure in riding his Harley, traveling with friends and family and watching his favorite football team, the Arizona Cardinals. He was also an avid NASCAR fan. He loved life to its fullest.

Survivors include his wife; children, Nicole Chadwick of Mesa and Brian (Kristen) Just of Chandler; grandchildren, Chelsie, Taylor, Kaitlyn, Chloe, Jacob and Alex; brother, Randy (Ann) Just of Belmond; and sisters, Betty Just and Sharon (David) Hall, all of Rock Island, Illinois.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Faye Denger

February 9, 2010

Faye V. Denger, 85, of Clarion, died on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 2, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with burial in the church cemetery.

Faye Vincent, was born on November 16, 1924 in Iowa Falls, to Ralph and Rhoda (Bangs) Denger. He grew up in the Dows area and was proud to have spent eight years at the Vernon Township #5 Country School. Faye graduated from the Dows High School in 1942 and worked on the Dows Ranch for a few years. Then he went to Wisconsin where he helped his uncle farm. Faye married Wyona Lucille Hall of Meservey, on January 24, 1949 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. They met on a blind date and were married two years later. They farmed and raised livestock for four years near Dows and for 16 years near Armstrong.

Faye belonged to the Holy Name Society and St. Mary's Church in Armstrong. He also belonged to the National Farmers and Beef Producers. They returned to the Clarion area in 1969, where he farmed until retiring in 1992. He belonged to the St. John's Catholic Church.

Faye delivered Meals on Wheels and did volunteer driving. He was proud to be a farmer and a friend of the land. He loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Faye liked to play cards at the Senior Center and visit with farmers at the co-op. He enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and traveling to Australia, Norway, Alaska and Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Forrest; granddaughter, Amanda Sheehan; three brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Wyona; children, Jennifer (Bruce) Kreitlow, Candace (John) Sheehan, Carmel (Earl Jr.) Hammen, all of Clarion, Jaclyn (Merlin) Loux of Dows, Judy (Kelly) Thomas of Lakewood, Colorado and Lawrence Denger of Berkeley, California; grandchildren, Todd (Gloria) Kreitlow, Scott (Kim Walz) Sheehan, Joe (Jennifer) Sheehan, Rebecca (Aaron) Lewis, Nick Loux and Matt (Brittany Fender) Loux; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Pat (Willis) Muhlenbruch of Dows.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Dorothy Swenson

February 2, 2010

Dorothy Swenson, 79, of Ames, died peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Arbor Springs Retirement Home.

Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, February 5, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois.

Dorothy was born in Arlington, South Dakota, on October 12, 1930 to Rev. Otis and Olga (Sheldahl) Severseike. She graduated from the Belmond High School and attended Waldorf College in Forest City. On June 1, 1950, she married Gerald Swenson. She became a widow at 35 with responsibility of raising three children, ages 6, 12 and 14. Dorothy was a bookkeeper at the First National Bank.

Dorothy is survived by her son, David (Zandra) Swenson and their children, Katie and Jeremy of Waco, Texas; daughter, Kate (Rodger) Reinhart of Ankeny and their sons, Chad (Tracy) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cory (Keri) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Cameron of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and her son, Mark Swenson of Ames.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Charlene Johnson

February 9, 2010

Charlene Rae Johnson, 75, of Des Moines, died on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Merle Hay Funeral Home in Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

She was born on December 17, 1934 in Iowa City, the daughter of Charles and Nina Rush Bower. She graduated from the Mason City High School. She married Kenneth Johnson in 1954 and retired from Mercy Hospital in Des Moines in 1999.

She was a member of the Elks Club and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and reading books.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Craig, Charles, Susan and Shayne; grandchildren; and great grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2010